2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R

The new 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R has been unveiled – and boy does it look fruity. The big news is that Kawasaki has resorted back to its old game of cheating. We certainly don’t care, because the old 636 ZX-6Rs used to be crackers – and this new 636 sized ZX looks the business, too.

Not only is the motor enlarged to 636cc (via a longer stroke), giving the bike more torque all over the range, the motor also features like a 3-mode KTRC traction control system (the first TC system on a Japanese supersport bike), Power Mode selection and KIBS braking system, finally bringing the electronics into line with the gadget laden ZX-10R.

Less has changed on the chassis front, although the ZX-6R gets the next generation Showa Big Piston Fork, called the SFF-BP (Sepereate Function Fork – Big Piston) which is said to work in a broader range of environments. There’s also a race derived slipper clutch, with increased torque capacity.

On the electronics side, the three mode KTRC system and two power mode options give eight combinations of adjustment, from race to rain.
– 3-mode KTRC x Power Mode selection, and there will be an option to install the excellent KIBS ASB system, currently an option on the ZX-10R too.

Styling has changed, to bring it into line with the ZX-10R flavour. Allied to the new Ninja 300, the family lines run right through all three bikes, giving each machine a strong presence on the road – or track.

It all looks awesome. We’re waiting on dates and prices, but this appears to be the start of the Japanese fightback in the supersport class – and we can’t wait to ride it.